Implementation of Active Flow Control using Microjets on an RC Aircraft

1
Implementation of Active Flow Control using
Microjets on an RC Aircraft

• Dan Drake
• Phil Kreth
• Hussein Nabulsi
• Matt Tubtim
• Faculty Advisor Dr. Farrukh Alvi
• Sponsor Dr. Gregg Abate (Eglin AFB)

2
Background

• Flow Separation

Flow separated 16 AOA
Reattached flow 5 psig _at_ microjets
04.03.2008
3
Motivation

• ONERA D Airfoil
• Span 1 m, Chord 0.35
• U? 45 m/s, ? 14?
• Control applied to 40 of span

Baseline flow
Flow with Control
Conducted at the Université de Poitiers, France
Images Video Courtesy of Dr. Farrukh Alvi
04.03.2008
4
Motivation
20-30 gain in CL Control applied to 40 of span
Images Courtesy of Dr. Farrukh Alvi
04.03.2008
5
Needs Assessment

• Implement microjets on RC Airplane
• Remotely activate each wing
• Run time should be 30 secs or more
• Delay stall and improve lift
• Use off-the-shelf items only
• Budget 1,50000

04.03.2008
6
Wind Tunnel Testing

• Paint Testing
• Uncertainty in interpretation
• Smoke Wire
• Minimum WT speed too high
• Tuft Testing
• Success

04.03.2008
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Flow Reattachment Video
04.03.2008
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Air Supply Method
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Air Supply Method
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Performance Measurements
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Final Design Schematic
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Actual Design
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Final Design Components
Overhead View
Close-up view Tank Regulator Valves
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High Pressure Tank Location
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Shielding for High Pressure Cylinder
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Pressure Manifolds and Microjets in Wing
to microjets
from valves
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Budget Weight

• Added Weight 10 lbs
• Total Weight 14 lbs

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Test Plan

• Video aircraft on ground
• Show all systems in working order
• Flight testing, no control
• Flight testing, with control
• Acquire video from on-board camera

04.03.2008
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Flight Test Goals

• Dont crash!
• Demonstrate reattachment

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Flight Test Video
04.03.2008
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Outcomes Conclusions

• System was successful
• No bad landings
• Microjets remotely activated
• Reattached flow demonstrated
• Proposed Future Work
• Demonstrate Roll Control
• Measure CL and CD improvements

04.03.2008
22
Special Thanks

• Eglin Air Force Base
• Dr. Gregg Abate
• AAPL FAMU-FSU
• Dr. Farrukh Alvi
• Mechanical Engineering Dept
• Dr. Cesar Luongo
• Mr. Jon Cloos

04.03.2008
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Questions and Comments
04.03.2008